WHAT ARE BEES AND WASPS?

Among other pollinators, Honey Bees and wasps are vital to our economy and our food supply. They fly from plant to plant pollinating as they go making growth of fruit and other food supplies possible. Both bees and wasps are insects that belong to the order of Hymenoptera and constitute around 20,000 species each. Since bees and wasps are so vital to our lives, please make it a point to call our professional exterminators when dealing with them.

Bees are especially beneficial to our world as they are responsible for about one-third of the pollination for the human food supply. Bees have two wings, three segmented body parts, and two antennae. Although they are equipped with stingers, bees very rarely use them because when a bee does sting something, it dies as it leaves the stinger behind. Along with their famous yellow and black stripes, they have long tongues called probiscuses that makes it possible for them to drink the nectar deep within different blossoms. When they drink the nectar, they get covered in pollen which they then move to the next flower or plant they go to. This is the process of pollination that makes the growth of all fruit and other plant based food possible. They are also well known for creating one of our favorite sweets, honey.

Wasps, although beneficial, are oftentimes considered pests because of their ability to sting. Wasps especially become an issue around mid-summer and fall when they disrupt many outdoor activities. They appear smooth-skinned and shiny with slender bodies and narrow waists along with slender, cylindrical legs. They are also black and yellow striped which is why they are oftentimes confused with bees. However unlike bees, they do not die when they sting something so they are more often known to use their stingers. If someone is stung it is more likely they were stung by a wasp than a bee. Among the most common types of wasps to be encountered by humans are Yellow Jackets, Bald-faced Hornets, and Paper Wasps.

ARE BEES AND WASPS DANGEROUS?

Bees and wasps are the type of insects that send people running away screaming in fear of getting stung. And this is not for no reason. There are definite dangers that come from bees and wasps. They hold a venom that they inject through their stingers that is strong enough to trigger some serious allergic reactions (even anaphylaxis) in the person or animal they sting. Sometimes stingers can get stuck in the skin which is uncomfortable and can lead to infection. It can be particularly dangerous if you stumble upon a nest and get stung multiple times. It is significantly more dangerous to be stung by a wasp because they can sting you multiple times. If you disturb a nest of wasps that can sting you multiple times, it can be very dangerous. Great care should always be taken around stinging insects and around their nests. Some species are significantly more aggressive than others and will target you, while others will only sting you to defend themselves if you get too close.

WHY DO I HAVE A STINGING INSECT PROBLEM?

As the weather warms up you are more likely to see the stinging insects flying around, this is particularly common in the late spring through early fall. The reason for this is because colonies are healthiest and at their max numbers during these times. This is also typically when you will see foraging insects flying around because they are seeking food sources. These types of bugs have a variety of ways that they build their nests. The most common nest is built on structures above the ground, however it is also normal for them to burrow into the ground with their nests. As with all insects the most common reasons to find them in any location is due to easy access to food, water and shelter.

HOW DO I GET RID OF BEES AND WASPS?

BEES

Honeybees could be a nuisance if they occupy unwanted areas. For this reason we specialize in bee removal and taking proper precautions to avoid re-infestation. This exists of manual removal of hives and comb and a treatment of pheromones to reduce attracting other bees back to the same location. Untreated and unremoved honeycomb and hives can cause some serious issues such as mold, mildew, other unwanted insects and pests.

WASPS

It’s very common to see wasps nest in hard-to-reach areas, but our service technicians are trained to treat and remove these nests to ensure prevention of reinfestation. This treatment is hassle-free and customers have no need to worry about preparations. If you are in areas that flying insects frequent but do not inhabit with their nests, you might consider getting a wasp trap from us. (Recon Sting Op Traps)